Tea Blending

I think the problem with blending your own teas is finding ingredients. I know of lots of good sources for base teas but few good sources for ingredients. Frequently the sellers of ingredients will sell only to those who are established resellers. You can always buy a food dehydrator and make your own dried fruit. I believe some sellers do this. If there was a good source for ingredients I would be interested in trying this myself.

The best tip is, “know your components”, especially herbals. Know how they taste individually and what they do.

A handy book, my favorite, is ‘20,000 Secrets of Tea’ by Victoria Zac

I’ve recently been looking into trying more herbs and such since I enjoy blending for myself. The following companies sell one ounce quantities of a variety of dried herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, grains, and vegetables.

Herbs, Teas, &Treasures
Maison Terre Natural Products
My Spice Sage
North Bay Trading Co.
Penn Herb Co.
Penzeys
Remedies Herb Shop
Spice and Tea Exchange
St. John’s Botanicals

My recommendation is to taste both many different herbs, etc as well as other people’s blends. One thing that’s difficult about blending at home is that most flavoring companies only sell to companies, not individuals. If you’re just blending for yourself, you could check out Capella Flavors, which sells unsweetened flavorings for drinks and such. I haven’t tried them yet, but I plan to.

For inspiration, look at existing herbal blends or the complementary flavor guides that cooks use. I recently checked one for anise since I had some around and it’s such a strong flavor that it’s difficult to find things to blend it with. I found out that I really like it with citrus peels.

Anyway, try lots of things and share ideas with the rest of us. Good luck!